Auspicious Origins
This striking artwork is a testament to the enduring artistic traditions of Mysore, India. Rooted in centuries of craftsmanship, this panel depicts the revered Goddess Lakshmi, bringing prosperity and abundance to any space it graces. This is more than just a decorative piece; it's a window into a rich cultural heritage, where art is intertwined with spirituality and skillful mastery.
Crafted using the traditional Mysore wooden inlay technique, this panel reflects a meticulous process passed down through generations. The artists meticulously choose and arrange pieces of wood, showcasing natural hues and grains to create a visually stunning effect. It is not just painting; it is wood art with subtle colors layered on the image. This technique emphasizes the inherent beauty of the materials, adding depth and texture to the portrayal of Lakshmi.Lakshmi: Goddess of Fortune
Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu, stands as a beacon of prosperity, fortune, and beauty in the Hindu pantheon. Her very name, derived from the Sanskrit word "Lakshya," signifies aim or goal, embodying the pursuit of worldly and spiritual aspirations. She is often depicted seated on a lotus, a symbol of purity, enlightenment, and transcendence, rising above the muddy waters of materialism. Her presence is believed to bring good luck, wealth, and overall well-being to those who revere her.
Legend has it that Lakshmi emerged from the churning of the cosmic ocean (Samudra Manthan), a pivotal event in Hindu mythology. From this churning arose various celestial beings and treasures, including Lakshmi, who chose Vishnu as her eternal partner. This story signifies her association with cosmic abundance and her role in maintaining the balance of the universe. Displaying her image in your home or workspace is a way to invite her blessings and cultivate an atmosphere of prosperity and harmony.Artisanal Detailing and Devotion
This wooden panel captures Lakshmi seated in a pose of regal tranquility, her four arms signifying her command over the four aspects of human existence: dharma (righteousness), artha (wealth), kama (desire), and moksha (liberation). In her hands, she holds lotus flowers, symbolizing purity and spiritual awakening. A pot of overflowing gold coins is often depicted, as in this piece, near her, signifying her abundant blessings of wealth and prosperity. The intricate details of her ornaments, attire, and the surrounding architecture further enhance the divine beauty and power of the goddess.
The surrounding is ornamented by designs created through inlaid work. Two ceremonial lamps are perched above the Goddess in the panel. Below, a pot containing sweets is arranged on her side. The wooden panel creates a feeling of traditional artform with its rich brown colors. The borders of the art are also embellished with inlaid works. The natural coloring on wood provides a unique aesthetic, highlighting the intrinsic grains and textures of the wood itself. This results in an artwork that is not only visually appealing but also imbued with the essence of the earth. Whether displayed in your home, office, or sacred space, this panel serves as a constant reminder of the potential for prosperity, abundance, and spiritual growth that resides within each of us.How Mysore Wooden Inlay Paintings Are Made ?
Wood inlay is a historically significant art form from the 18th century. It arrived in India through Srirangaptnam in Mysore from Persia but has become an inevitable part of the Indian heritage. Tipu Sultan and the Wodeyars/Wadiyars are credited with the growth of this 400-year-old art form in Mysore and its neighboring areas.
Wood inlay work is usually done on a Mysore rosewood base, and other woods are used, like mango, kadam, jackfruit, rubber, doodhi, etc. Pieces of wood are adorned with beautiful motifs and patterns made from various materials. From wall hangings and paintings to jewelry boxes and furniture, many items are made using the Mysore wood inlay technique.
An outline is etched on a piece of rosewood with a sharp tool. Then, the area inside the outline is hollowed out, and materials like lacquer, enamel, contrasting wood, and sometimes even gold and silver are placed inside it. A sandpaper is used to give a
smooth finish to the surface.
Process of Mysore Wood Inlay Work -
The first step in the process is selecting the base and the design to be carved onto it. Planks are cut out of Rosewood logs in many shapes like square, rectangular, oval, or even circular. The surface is smoothened, and the sides are evened out.
The second step is creating the designs for the inlay on paper. These designs are then traced on transparent paper and then transferred to the surface of the desired material, such as another type of wood, lacquer, plastic, etc.
After that, the design is traced onto the rosewood planks. Using a coping saw, the designs are cut, and the rough edges are smoothened using a smooth file. Once that is done, the wood inside the outline is scooped out, leaving groves in the plank.
After that, the design cutouts are fitted in the groves, and the surface is beaten with a hammer to ensure the designs stay firm and in place. In case of any gaps, they are filled using a mixture of glue, rosewood, and sawdust.
The final step in creating Mysore wood inlay products is cleaning and polishing the items with beeswax. A coating of lacquer is applied to give them a glossy touch.
